A report on Vista Field's future will be among the topics discussed by the Port of Kennewick today at 2 p.m. in the commission chambers at 350 Clover Island Drive.
The report, released Friday, incorporates the public comments the port received on the airfield's future and an environmental impact statement. It's available for download at portofkennewick.org/airport.
It still gives a list of three options for Vista Field: enhance the current facilities, redevelop the land for other uses, or make no changes.
The meeting agenda includes a resolution to accept the report's conclusions and refer the matter for "future consideration," including the potential for a public hearing.
Executive Director Tim Arntzen told the Herald the port's next step likely would be determining how to make a decision -- either a vote of the board or an advisory vote by the port's residents. He said he expects that decision to come in April.
The port has struggled to revitalize the 90-acre airfield after deciding two years ago to keep it open in hopes of recruiting more businesses. A consulting firm was hired to do the $225,000 independent review after efforts to find an airport operator fell through.
Residents and businesses have taken varying stands on Vista Field, with some wanting to keep it open and others wanting the land developed for other uses.
A number of public agencies and organizations, including the Tri-City Development Council and Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce, have called for the airfield's closure and redevelopment. No public agencies have said Vista Field should remain a functional airport.
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